Buhari Signs Executive Order To Improve Local Content, Empower Qualified Nigerians

President Muhammadu Buhari has signed Executive Order to improve local content in public procurement with science, engineering and technology components.

Buhari signed the Executive Order on Monday in Abuja, the FCT capital.

The signing was disclosed in a statement signed by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu.

The Executive Order would empower qualified Nigerians by promoting the application of science, technology and innovation in order to attain Nigeria’s development goals in all sectors of the economy.

It also prohibits the Ministry of Interior from giving visas to foreign workers whose skills are readily available in Nigeria.

The statement reads in part: “The President, pursuant to the authority vested in him by the Constitution, ordered that all ‘‘procuring authorities shall give preference to Nigerian companies and firms in the award of contracts, in line with the Public Procurement Act 2007.’’

“It, however, notes that where expertise is lacking, procuring entities will give preference to foreign companies and firms with a demonstrable and verifiable plan for indigenous development, prior to the award of such contracts.”

Also contained in the order was Buhari’s directive to Ministries, Departments and Agencies to engage indigenous professionals in the planning, design and execution of national security projects.

It adds that ‘‘consideration shall only be given to a foreign professional, where it is certified by the appropriate authority that such expertise is not available in Nigeria.’’